Mike Carsten
Franciscan Ministries 2024 Christmas Appeal
Franciscan Ministries 2024 Christmas Appeal
Mike Carsten
May, Mental Health Awareness Month

As Franciscans, we are called to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis and embrace a life of poverty, humility, and service. St. Dymphna's example reminds us that we can use our own gifts and resources to make a difference in the lives of others, even in the face of adversity.

May, Mental Health Awareness Month
Mike Carsten
The Secular Franciscan Order and Political ...

Today, political violence is a significant issue. From terrorist attacks to civil unrest, the need for understanding and action is dire. The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) can provide a unique perspective on this problem. This Order has a long history of advocating for peace and justice, which provides valuable insight into this pressing issue. In this article, we will explore the OFS's perspectives on political violence and how it can be used to bring about positive change in our world.

The Secular Franciscan Order and Political Violence
Mike Carsten
"Kathleen Carsten OFS: Shaping the Future of ...

🎓 She empowers future nurses by providing hands-on clinical experience at St. Aloysius Catholic Church and other organizations, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and understand the rewards and challenges of providing care to those in need.

"Kathleen Carsten OFS: Shaping the Future of Nursing and Improving Community Health"
Mike Carsten
Benefits of Secular Franciscan Formation
Benefits of Secular Franciscan Formation

A Franciscan Response to Political Division

A Franciscan Response to Political Division

In a world filled with political division, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters - compassion, kindness, and love for our fellow human beings. The Franciscan tradition offers a response to political division that is rooted in these values, and encourages us to look beyond our differences and see the common humanity in all people.

The Importance of Compassion in the Franciscan Tradition

The Franciscan tradition is rooted in a deep appreciation for the inherent dignity of all people, and a belief that we are all called to care for one another. This compassionate approach to life is at the heart of the Franciscan response to political division, and is a key aspect of what sets the Franciscan tradition apart from other religious and spiritual traditions.

Embracing Diversity in the Franciscan Tradition

The Franciscan tradition recognizes the inherent worth of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs. This appreciation for diversity is central to the Franciscan response to political division, and is what allows Franciscans to see beyond their differences and find common ground with people from all walks of life.

Building Bridges with Love and Understanding

One of the key ways that Franciscans respond to political division is by building bridges of love and understanding between people who may seem vastly different. This is achieved through dialogue and by working together to find common solutions to the challenges we all face. Franciscans understand that the only way to overcome division is by coming together as one, and by working to build a world in which everyone is respected and valued.

The Power of Forgiveness in the Franciscan Tradition

Forgiveness is a powerful tool in the Franciscan response to political division, as it allows us to release the anger and bitterness that can drive us apart. Franciscans believe that we can all be agents of change in the world, and that by forgiving one another we can help to create a world that is more just and peaceful.

A Journey Towards Unity

The Franciscan response to political division is not a quick fix, but a lifelong journey towards greater unity and understanding. By embracing compassion, diversity, and forgiveness, Franciscans can help to heal the wounds caused by political division, and work towards a world in which all people are valued and respected.

Conclusion

The Franciscan tradition offers a powerful response to political division, one that is rooted in compassion, love, and understanding. By embracing these values and working towards a world in which all people are respected and valued, Franciscans can help to heal the wounds caused by division and work towards a more just and peaceful world for all.

FAQs

  1. What is the Franciscan tradition?

The Franciscan tradition is a religious and spiritual tradition that is centered on the values of compassion, kindness, and love for all people. This tradition is rooted in the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, who lived in the 13th century.

  1. What is the Franciscan response to political division?

The Franciscan response to political division is rooted in compassion, diversity, and forgiveness. Franciscans believe that we can all be agents of change in the world, and that by embracing these values we can help to create a more just and peaceful world for all.

  1. How does the Franciscan tradition embrace diversity?

The Franciscan tradition recognizes the inherent worth of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs. This appreciation for diversity is central to the Franciscan response

       Wishing you Peace.

Mike Carsten OFS                                


The Importance of Elections in the Secular Franciscan Order

The Importance of Elections in the Secular Franciscan Order 

Elections play a crucial role in the governance and leadership of the Secular Franciscan Order. Members of the Secular Franciscan Order are encouraged to participate in the democratic process of elections and to use their voice to shape the direction and mission of the community. 

Elections for the leadership of the Secular Franciscan Order are typically held every few years and are open to all members of the community. During these elections, members are asked to vote for the individuals they believe will best serve the needs of the community and help to advance its mission. 

The Election Process in the Secular Franciscan Order 

The election process in the Secular Franciscan Order is designed to be transparent, fair, and democratic. Members are encouraged to nominate individuals they believe would make good leaders, and the nominees are then considered by the community. 

Once the nominees have been selected, members are given the opportunity to cast their votes and choose the individuals they believe would best serve the needs of the community. The election process is overseen by an independent committee to ensure that it is conducted fairly and that the results accurately reflect the will of the members. 

The Responsibilities of the Elected Leaders in the Secular Franciscan Order 

The elected leaders of the Secular Franciscan Order have several important responsibilities. These include setting the direction and priorities of the community, overseeing its financial and administrative needs, and ensuring that its mission and values are upheld. 

The elected leaders also play a key role in representing the Secular Franciscan Order to the wider Church and society and are responsible for advocating for its values and mission. Additionally, the elected leaders are responsible for providing guidance and support to the members of the community, and for promoting the spiritual growth and development of the Secular Franciscan Order. 

Conclusion 

Elections are an important part of the governance and leadership of the Secular Franciscan Order. They provide an opportunity for members to have a voice in shaping the direction and mission of the community, and to choose the individuals they believe will best serve the needs of the community. The election process is conducted fairly and transparently, and the elected leaders have several important responsibilities, including setting the direction of the community and advocating for its values and mission. 

A Journey into the Heart of the Secular Franciscan Order

Introduction:

The Secular Franciscan Order, also known as the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi, is a community of lay people who live in the world and are dedicated to following the example of St. Francis of Assisi. The Secular Franciscan Order was founded in the 13th century and has a rich history of spiritual growth and service to the Church and society. The members of the Secular Franciscan Order are united by their common commitment to living a life of simplicity, peace and love in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Origins of the Secular Franciscan Order

The Secular Franciscan Order has its roots in the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, who lived in the 13th century. St. Francis was known for his love of God, his love for all creatures and his deep respect for all of God's creation. He taught his followers to live a life of poverty, simplicity and humility, and to seek God in all things.

In the early years of the Franciscan movement, many lay people were drawn to the example of St. Francis and sought to live a similar life in the world. These lay people formed communities and lived together in poverty and simplicity, following the example of St. Francis. Over time, these communities evolved into the Secular Franciscan Order, which has been an important part of the Catholic Church for over 700 years.

The Spiritual Beliefs of the Secular Franciscan Order

The Secular Franciscan Order is based on the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and the Catholic Church. The members of the Secular Franciscan Order believe in the importance of living a life of simplicity, peace and love, and seek to follow the example of St. Francis in all aspects of their lives.

The Secular Franciscan Order also emphasizes the importance of prayer and contemplation, and encourages its members to deepen their relationship with God through regular prayer, spiritual reading and other spiritual practices. Additionally, the Secular Franciscan Order is committed to working for peace, justice and the protection of God's creation, and encourages its members to be active in promoting these values in their communities.

The Role of the Secular Franciscan Order in the Catholic Church

The Secular Franciscan Order is an important part of the Catholic Church and plays a vital role in the spiritual and social life of the Church. The Secular Franciscan Order is recognized by the Church as a form of consecrated life, and its members are considered to be lay people who live in the world and are dedicated to following the example of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Secular Franciscan Order is governed by a set of rules and regulations, and is led by elected leaders who are responsible for the spiritual and practical needs of the community. Additionally, the Secular Franciscan Order is involved in many important projects and initiatives, including efforts to promote peace, justice and the protection of God's creation, and to assist the poor and marginalized in society.

Becoming a Member of the Secular Franciscan Order

Becoming a member of the Secular Franciscan Order is a serious commitment and requires a deep commitment to living a life of simplicity, peace and love in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

Quinquennial Kicks Off in Phoenix

Secular Franciscan Order - USA

Quinquennial Kicks Off in Phoenix

Sharon Winzeler

Aug 4

The 20th OFS-USA Quinquennial Congress began with a welcome dinner Wednesday night at the downtown Sheraton in Phoenix, AZ.  Mass followed in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary just two blocks from the hotel.

More than 600 Secular Franciscans are on hand for the event.

Thursday's keynote featured Fr. David Couturier, OFM Cap., who spoke on "Called to Build a More Fraternal and Evangelical World:  Secular Franciscans as a Community of Care and Moral Transformation."

You can watch a videotape of his talk.

Song of the Troubadour

This morning Kathleen was informed that Jim our Regional Minister is in the hospital with heart issues. He is resting and feeling well this morning and will undergo testing today. Please keep him in your prayers.

  • Today is opening day of the new Bakery at the Solonas Casey Center. Kathy and I plan on stopping by to take a look and pick up some goodies. Please support the Friars and those they serve in this new endeavor whenever you can.

  • St. Bonaventure University OFS Summer Conference next Webcast is June 11, don’t miss it. Details can be found in the calendar below.

  • Jerry is serving St. Lucy Parish June 18th as he guides them through the Solanas Casey Center and the life and ministry of Fr. Solanas.

  • June 21st we will gather at St. Lucy’s for our Fraternity Meeting at 6:30 PM. We are scheduled for a pastoral visitation. Check the web site to see who is bringing refreshments. See you there.

  • Sally’s weekly bible study has concluded for summer break and will pick back up again in September. I will remind you when it gets close so you can join her either in person or online.

  • The Troubadours served the poor downtown this past weekend. We cooked hotdogs and served hot pizza and even fried up some meatloaf. Yes Fried Meatloaf. Handed out hygiene kits and even spent time praying with those asking for prayer. Our next BBQ downtown is July 9th. We will meet at St. Aloysius at 8:00 AM. Rain or Shine.

  • Saturday August 20, @ 3:00 PM we will Gather at Jerry and Kathy’s Home for our annual picnic.

  • Our Fraternity Retreat is scheduled for August 22 and 23 at the Washington/Capuchin Retreat Center. Fr. Dan Crosby OFM will once again lead us on this spiritual journey. Fr. Dan’s retreat focus is listed below.


TRANSFORMING THE WORLD THROUGH REVERENCE

Franciscan Living Retreat

Monday August 22, and Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Fr. Dan Crosby, OFM Cap.

St. Francis said: “I want only this privilege from the Lord:

never to have any privilege from any human being

except to show reverence to all.”

REVERENCE TO ALL:

in this 21st century world ruled by

greed and power, manipulation and violence,

is Francis’ vision and desire naïve and romantic

or the only way our wounded world will survive?

Come to this retreat to grapple

with Francis’ Gospel vision and what it demands  

of us in our everyday living. 

God’s Continued Blessings!

Mike

Dream it

〰️

Dream it 〰️

Lori and Kim grilling, serving and praying with all in need.

Kathleen Doing her thing!

Dan, Serving Coffee and Hot Chocolate

Our Guest begin arriving at 8:30 am

The Council will continue to meet via Zoom, The First Monday of each month at 6:30pm.

Please note that every professed member of the fraternity is invited to join us.

Meeting ID 275 860 1577

  • Invite Link:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2758601577

Ongoing Formation

〰️

Ongoing Formation 〰️

2022 - 2023 Faith and Social Justice Formation Series

  • 2022 - 2023

    • In September we will start our Bimonthly Formation Series with Guest speakers (yes, we will still meet as Fraternity every other month that there is not a guest speaker).

      • September 13, 2022 - Tony Spaniola will present on the “Widespread Threats to Health, Drinking Water and the Environment from the Forever Chemicals Known as PFAS.”

        • Tony is the Co-Chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network and a leading national advocate for PFAS-impacted communities.

      • November 8, 2022 - Fr. George Kooran OFM Cap. will present on the “Theology of Creation”.

      • January 2023 - Doris Allen OFS, Divine Mercy Region Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (J.P.I.C.) Animator will present “The Gospel, Catholic Social Teaching, our Rule, and Our Movement into J.P.I.C”.

      • March 2023- Sally McCuen OFS will present “The Life of St. Oscar Romero”.

        • Sally coordinates the hospitality functions with an emphasis on training the docents and crafting the spiritual experience of pilgrims coming to the Solanus Casey Center and Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington MI. She is also a speaker and retreat facilitator.

      • May 2023- Kim Spaniola OFS will present “Rooted in Scripture Living in Service”.

        • Kim is a member of the Troubadours of St. Clare Fraternity, and serves the fraternity on the Executive Council. She is a leader and teacher on the fraternity formation team and has recently completed the DMR Spiritual Assistants Course.

      • July 2023 - TBD

Get Involved

〰️

Get Involved 〰️

Fraternity Calendar - Events of Interest

  • 2022-2023,

    • Starting in September 2022 and running through the end of May 2023 (with a few exceptions), Sally McCuen OFS will lead from the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit a weekly Bible Study on the Sunday Scriptures. All are encouraged to participate. Sally will send out a weekly link (to each of us) so we can study with the group online. The Study will begin weekly at 12:00 noon. If you are not a member of the Troubadours, just drop Sally a note and ask her to put you on the list. Sally McCuen, 313.579.2100 ext. 1149 or smccuen@thecapuchins.org

  • June 11 and July 9, 2022

  • June 4, 2022 (8:00AM - 12:00PM)

    • Troubadours’/Franciscan Ministries’ Day of Service BBQ.

      • Location: St. Aloysius, 1234 Washington Blvd. Detroit, 48226

  • July 9, 2022 (8:00AM - 12:00PM)

    • Troubadours’/Franciscan Ministries’ Day of Service BBQ.

      • Location: St. Aloysius, 1234 Washington Blvd. Detroit, 48226

  • August 3-7, 2022

  • August 6, 2022 (8:00AM - 12:00PM)

    • Troubadours’/Franciscan Ministries’ Day of Service BBQ.

      • Location: St. Aloysius, 1234 Washington Blvd. Detroit, 48226

  • August 10, 2022

    • Transitus of St. Clare

      • This event is planned, staffed, and sponsored by the Troubadours of St. Clare Fraternity.

      • Location: St. Bonaventure Chapel, 1740 Mt. Elliott Street., Detroit, MI 48207

  • August 12, 13 & 14, 2022

  • August 20, 2022, 2:30 PM - Midnight,

    • Jerry and Kathy’s Annual Troubadours’ Picnic

      • Location: Jerry and Kathy’s Home,

  • August 22 - 23,

    • Fraternity Retreat

      • Location: Washington Retreat Center

      • Retreat leader - Fr. Dan Crosby OFM Cap.

  • October 11-17, 2022

  • Monday, October 3, 2022 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)

  • Tuesday, December 13, 2022 (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM)

    • Fraternity Christmas Party

      • Location: To Be Determined. If you would like to host the party let me know. Mike

All are welcome

〰️

All are welcome 〰️

The Troubadours of St. Clare Fraternity

meet the second Tuesday of each month

at St. Lucy Catholic Church,

23401 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080, At 6:30 PM. Come and join us.

Song of the Troubadour

Peace and Every Good

At this writing we have closed the Octave of Easter and are journeying through the Easter Season.

Kim, Kathy and I very much enjoyed the Fr. Solanus Casey Center’s Lenten Series that focused on Conversion. We especially enjoyed Fr. Dan Crosby’s presentation on Conversion as well as our own Sally McCuen’s OFS Presentation on the life of St. Oscar Romero. There was mass with an on-topic sermon, a simple soup lunch provided, and a lecture followed lunch. I have asked Sally to recreate her presentation for us at our March 14, 2023 Gathering.

We have also been very busy with family struggling with Covid 19. As I type this Dan is recovering in the end stages of Covid and Kathy’s brother Wes is just beginning his struggle. Please keep them both in prayer.

Mike

The Council will continue to meet via Zoom, The First Monday of each month at 6:30pm.

Please note that every professed member of the fraternity is invited to join us.

Meeting ID 275 860 1577

  • Invite Link:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2758601577

Gospel to Life & Life to Gospel

〰️

Gospel to Life & Life to Gospel 〰️

We are working to finalize our 2022 - 2023 Fraternity Calendar. We are changing for the upcoming year our format. Starting in September, we will be welcoming Guest Speakers to present to us topics of faith and social justice.

2022 - 2023 Faith and Social Justice Formation Series

  • 2022 - 2023

    • In September we will start our Bimonthly Formation Series with Guest speakers (yes, we will still meet as Fraternity every other month that there is not a guest speaker).

      • September 13, 2022 - Tony Spaniola will present on the “Widespread Threats to Health, Drinking Water and the Environment from the Forever Chemicals Known as PFAS.”

        • Tony is the Co-Chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network and a leading national advocate for PFAS-impacted communities.

      • November 8, 2022 - Fr. George Kooran OFM Cap. will present on the “Theology of Creation”.

      • January 2023 - Doris Allen OFS, Divine Mercy Region Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (J.P.I.C.) Animator will present “The Gospel, Catholic Social Teaching, our Rule, and Our Movement into J.P.I.C”.

      • March 2023- Sally McCuen OFS will present “The Life of St. Oscar Romero”.

        • Sally coordinates the hospitality functions with an emphasis on training the docents and crafting the spiritual experience of pilgrims coming to the Solanus Casey Center and Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington MI. She is also a speaker and retreat facilitator.

      • May 2023- Kim Spaniola OFS will present “Rooted in Scripture Living in Service”.

        • Kim is a member of the Troubadours of St. Clare Fraternity, and serves the fraternity on the Executive Council. She is a leader and teacher on the fraternity formation team and has recently completed the DMR Spiritual Assistants Course.

      • July 2023 - TBD

Other Fraternity Calendar Events of Interest

  • 2022-2023,

    • Starting in September 2022 and running through the end of May 2023 (with a few exceptions), Sally McCuen OFS will lead from the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit a weekly Bible Study on the Sunday Scriptures. All are encouraged to participate. Sally will send out a weekly link (to each of us) so we can study with the group online. The Study will begin weekly at 12:00 noon. If you are not a member of the Troubadours, just drop Sally a note and ask her to put you on the list. Sally McCuen, 313.579.2100 ext. 1149 or smccuen@thecapuchins.org

  • May 14, June 11 and July 9, 2022

  • June 4, 2022 (8:00AM - 12:00PM)

    • Troubadours’/Franciscan Ministries’ Day of Service BBQ.

      • Location: St. Aloysius, 1234 Washington Blvd. Detroit, 48226

  • July 9, 2022 (8:00AM - 12:00PM)

    • Troubadours’/Franciscan Ministries’ Day of Service BBQ.

      • Location: St. Aloysius, 1234 Washington Blvd. Detroit, 48226

  • August 3-7, 2022

  • August 6, 2022 (8:00AM - 12:00PM)

    • Troubadours’/Franciscan Ministries’ Day of Service BBQ.

      • Location: St. Aloysius, 1234 Washington Blvd. Detroit, 48226

  • August 10, 2022

    • Transitus of St. Clare

      • This event is planned, staffed, and sponsored by the Troubadours of St. Clare Fraternity.

      • Location: St. Bonaventure Chapel, 1740 Mt. Elliott Street., Detroit, MI 48207

  • August 12, 13 & 14, 2022

  • August 20, 2022, 2:30 PM - Midnight,

    • Jerry and Kathy’s Annual Troubadours’ Picnic

      • Location: Jerry and Kathy’s Home,

  • October 11-17, 2022

  • Monday, October 3, 2022 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)

  • Tuesday, December 13, 2022 (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM)

    • Fraternity Christmas Party

      • Location: To Be Determined. If you would like to host the party let me know. Mike

The link below is an invitation to take a look at HUNGER NEWS & HOPE Newsletter. Katie Cook, OEF has been producing this newsletter for many years now and this quarter’s publication is a very good read.

Come Join us

〰️

Come Join us 〰️

The Troubadours of St. Clare Fraternity meet the second Tuesday of each month at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 23401 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080, 6:30 PM.

Come and join us.

War in Ukraine, Human Agony, Global Crises, Moral Principles


Global Georgetown

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For more on this event, visit: https://bit.ly/3tUXUXg For more on the Georgetown Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life: https://catholicsocialthought.georget... For CST's YouTube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3nNil4h March 31, 2022 | The war in Ukraine has brought horrific violence, millions of refugees, and unprecedented threats to global peace. The constant images of death and destruction, families fleeing for their lives, and the courage of leaders and ordinary Ukrainians move us to tears and call us to action. This war also raises serious policy questions and moral choices regarding the obligations, directions, and dangers for the United States and other nations. The Initiative brought together key leaders and powerful voices with extraordinary experience and commitment to Ukraine. This dialogue welcomed the bishop who leads Ukrainian Catholics in the United States, a Cardinal from the Vatican’s justice and peace efforts, a leader working every day to help refugees, an ethicist on war and peace, and a reporter from the Vatican to help us understand this appalling crisis, its escalating human costs, and its ongoing moral choices.